FIFA World Cup 2018: Review of the Round of 16 and an insight into the Quarterfinals

R16 #5: Brazil vs. Mexico

The El Tri started the match with the same tactics that they applied against Germany- they attacked their hearts out but they did so in vain. Rarely did Mexico work Alisson Becker, as most of their attempts were blocked out by the solid back line of Brazil. Neymar in the Brazilian attack seemed a lot better than how he started the tournament. With him on the left wing showing a bit of his swagger, Willian on the right wing played his best game so far, running through the Mexican defence just for the fun of it. Fernandinho also showed some good signs, in the end, starting off the chain to lead up to the second Brazilian goal. Mexico never made it past Alisson.

R16 #6: Belgium vs. Japan

Perhaps the most thrilling game of the World Cup so far. Japan unexpectedly took the lead early in the second half through striker Haraguchi. They even built on it a few minutes later through a brilliant long-range effort from Inui. But the Belgians had other things in mind. Vertonghen headed the longest header in a World Cup to give Belgium their first. Fellaini equalised with another header. When in the dying minutes, Japan were attacking from a corner, the Belgians counter attacked and Chadli scored a third with less than 30 seconds remaining on the clock. Japan won hearts but Belgium qualified.

QF #2: Brazil vs. Belgium

Brazil has already shown solid defensive work in the games leading up to the quarterfinals. But to win against Belgium, they will have to improve even upon that and bring out a perfect defensive line to keep out perhaps the most dangerous attacking line-up apart from their own in this World Cup. Belgium has a great attacking line-up but to win against Brazil, they will have to work on their defence- Brazil will not lose a 2-goal lead like Japan did. In the end, it just might come down to who has the best defence. The winners of this game can easily turn out to be champions, as they clearly have been the two best teams in the tournament so far. This can easily turn out to be a match that the people will remember for a long long time.